Housing Coordinator

Job Description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

The Housing Coordinator will coordinate and oversee the implementation of a housing program in the re-entry space. The purpose of the Housing Program will be to increase access to and retention of safe, long-term housing and then provide tailored supportive services to justice-impacted individuals. This includes landlord, community, and housing stakeholder outreach and collaboration, coordination of direct financial assistance for residents, and agreements with partners. The Housing Coordinator will have coordination duties with some direct service and mobile advocacy.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main point of contact for residents and community partners seeking housing assistance.
• Assess the housing needs and available resources of individuals seeking aid and collaborate with them to determine available options.
• Coordinate the lease-up process, negotiate with landlords, and manage contracts.
• Coordinate funding to support residents' needs and promote long-term housing stability.
• Provide community-based supportive services, such as transportation assistance and temporary rental aid.
• Generate housing resources by researching affordable and supportive options and building relationships with landlords, brokers, and housing programs.
• Identify and collaborate with potential local housing stakeholders and community partners.
• Triage and evaluate all resident inquiries to ensure effective advocacy and financial support.
• Engage landlords to create housing opportunities.
• Establish partnerships with housing and community providers to aid survivors in securing housing.
• Represent the organization at community meetings on housing issues for homeless populations and educate the community on policy changes affecting formerly incarcerated individuals' access to affordable housing.
• Resolve technical housing issues for staff, resident advocates, and program participants.
• Complete monthly billing and data submission for rental subsidies and cash assistance.
• Collaborate with and train other advocates on housing program advocacy as needed.
• Perform all work in a culturally responsive manner consistent with the Oakland Dream Centers' mission and philosophy.

Client Support and Housing Application:

• Respond promptly to residents, complete intake forms, and assess their needs and preferences.
• Maintain up-to-date and organized resident case files.
• Keep detailed case notes and maintain current resident data.
• Regularly communicate with residents, service coordinators, service providers, and support personnel to ensure compliance with house application requirements and continued housing stability.
• Identify suitable housing options based on clients' location, size, and affordability preferences.
• Assist residents in understanding and signing lease agreements.
• Help residents, their support staff, and family members complete applications and provide necessary documents for affordable housing rental properties.
• Assist residents in requesting reasonable accommodations from lease requirements based on their disability and medical needs.
• Help residents qualify for housing through community referrals, assembling support letters, assisting with financial assistance applications, and utilizing third parties for rent payment.
• Support clients in budgeting and planning move-in expenses, including applying for financial assistance programs.
• Be available to answer inquiries from residents and authorized service providers/family members.
• Facilitate the entire application process for potentially qualified applicants, including maintaining and administering the waitlist, showing properties, and guiding clients in submitting necessary documents.
• Ensure housing stability by assisting with lease renewals, addressing lease violations, and handling re-certifications.

Community Engagement and Landlord/Property Manager Relationships:

• Professionally represent the Oakland Dream Center in community meetings.
• Maintain positive relationships with landlords/property managers to expand housing options for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Organize regular resident workshops.
• Maintain updated lists of affordable housing/rental properties and their application requirements.
• Identify housing advocacy opportunities and collaborate with industry partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience and demonstrated competence in housing advocacy.
• At least three years of experience and competence with housing and homelessness issues affecting formerly incarcerated persons and effective advocacy strategies for helping individual residents and helping systems respond well.
• Demonstrated competence with program coordination, including but not limited to training, public speaking, facilitation, collaboration, detailed program planning, and timely implementation.
• Strong, proven ability to mediate differences of philosophy and opinion; maintain a calm, efficient, and good-humored approach to work while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, highly productive work environment; work independently and as a team member; think critically and with foresight; carry out assignments with limited direction; adapt to change; and be nimble and flexible.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to comfortably drive or commute to neighborhoods throughout the community. Must have own vehicle with insurance. (Mileage reimbursement available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with re-entry advocacy and management in shelters or other housing models.
• Familiarity with state, federal, and/or tribal laws, policies, and regulations impacting formerly incarcerated and housing and homelessness.
• Familiarity with reentry service organizations in Oakland and the Bay Area.

E.O.E. – Oakland Dream Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of this position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by a person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements to the work of the Kingdom Builders Transitional Housing Program and are subject to possible modifications to accommodate individuals with disabilities reasonably.